United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker said the six trained and bred pit bulls for participation in dog fighting ventures, placed and accepted bets on fights, collected entrance fees, and offered prize money.

"Word must go out. Dog fighting, a particularly cruel crime, will not be tolerated. This prosecution stands for our commitment to pursue and prosecute those engaged in such heinous acts," said Walker in a statement.

The men named in the indictment are James Matthew Blackman, 43; Ricky Dial, 55; and Jimmy Jacobs, 40; all of Maxton, North Carolina; along with Frank Jacobs, 69, of Laurinburg, and Tony Harris, 35 and Ozell Mclain, 59, both of South Carolina.

If convicted, the men face a maximum of five years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.